Conversion arrangement for suction cleaners



Jan. 5, 1954 w. H. KITTO CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT FOR SUCTION CLEANERSFiled March 22, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOH. [Uz'llz'am f9. Az'iioATTORNEY.

Jan. 5, 1954 i w. H. KITTO 2,664,587

CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT FOR SUCTION CLEANERS Filed March 22, 1950 3Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. (Z/z'ZZz'am fl Kz'ZZo Jan. 5, 1954 w. H. KITTO2,664,587

CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT FOR SUCTION CLEANERS Filed March 22, 1950 3Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Fly 7 William HKZ'ZZO a? ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 5, 1954 CONVERSION ARRANGEMENT FOR SUCTION CLEANERSWilliam H. Kitto, Evanston, 111., assignor to The Hoover Company, NorthCanton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application March 22, 1950, SerialNo. 151,126

12 Claims. 1

This invention relates to suction cleaners and more particularly to anarrangement for converting a suction cleaner from on-the-floor cleaningto off-the-fioor cleaning.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a converterreceiving tube which is movable relative to the body of the cleaner toperform a function useful in converting the cleaner to off-the-floorcleaning in which the tube is normally locked against movement and isreleased for movement to operative position by the insertion of theconverter tool into the converter opening. Another object is theprovision of a converter tube movable between two positions in whichmovement thereof to one position moves the wheels relative to the bodyof the cleaner to raise the nozzle sufficient to break the seal betweenthe carpet and the nozzle and also looks the converter tool in theconverter opening.

Another object is the provision of a conversion arrangement in which theinsertion of the con verter tool into the converter opening opens theconverter passageway valve and unlocks the suction passageway valve formovement to closed position extending across the suction passageway toblock ofi communication between the nozzle and the fan.

Another object is the provision of a manually actuated valve for thesuction passageway in which movement of the valve to its closed positionextending across the suction passageway adjusts the wheels relative tothe body of the cleaner to raise the nozzle for off-the-floor cleaningand also looks the converter tool in the converter open- 111g.

Another object is the provision of adjustable wheels for raising thenozzle for oif-the-fioor cleaning in which the adjustment of the wheelsto nozzle raising position holds the suction passageway valve in closedposition extending across the suction passageway.

Another object is the provision of a converter arrangement inwhich thewheels are adjustable relative to the cleaner body to raise the nozzlefor off the-floor cleaning and the adjustment of the wheels to theirnozzle raising position locks the converter tool in the converteropening.

Another object is'the provision of the adjustable'wheels to raise thenozzle for ofi-the-floor cleaning in which the wheel mounting mechanismholds the suction passageway valve both in its o'penand its closedpositions;

I Another object is the provision of a suction passageway valvearrangement in which opening of 2 the suction passageway valve lowersthe nozzle to its on-the-floor cleaning position and releasestheconverter tool for removal from the converter opening.

Another object is a conversion arrangement in which the removal of theconverter tool from the converter opening locks the suction passagewayvalve in its open position and also locks the adjustable wheels in theiron-the-fioor cleaning position.

Another object is the provision of a conversion arrangement in whichinsertion of the converter tool into the converter opening unlocks thewheel adjusting mechanism for movement to the OE- the-fioor cleaningposition.

Another object is the provision of a conversion arrangement in whichinsertion of the converter tool into the converter opening opens themotor circuit and the nozzle adjusting mechanism recloses the circuitwhen moved to the off-the-floor cleaning position.

Another object is the provision of a conversion arrangement in whichinsertion of the converter tool into the converter opening opens themotor circuit and the movement of the suction passageway valve to 1tsclosed position recloses the motor circuit.

Another object is the provision of a movable converter receiving tubewhich operates to control a conversion function in which insertion ofthe converter tool into the tube opens the motor circuit and movement ofthe tube to its operative position recloses the motor circuit.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent asthe description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the suction cleaner according to thisinvention with certain parts broken away to show the details ofconstruction;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of the cleaner of Fig. 1 showing theconverter tube being inserted to release the converter tube forsubsequent movement;

Figure 3 shows the cleaner of Fig. l with the converter tool moved to aposition to close the suction passageway and raise the rear wheels so asto raise the nozzle for ofi-the-fioor clean 2;

Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view through the converter tubeand tool showing now insertion of the converter tool into the convertertube opens the motor circuit;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on line 5-5 of Fig. 6 looking in thedirection of the arrows 3 showing how the converter tube is pivoted tothe cleaner in the modification of Figs. 6 and 7 as well as themodification of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Fig. l of a modifled form of the inventionshowing how the invention is'applied for lowering the-front wheelstoraise'the nozzle'for ofi-the-fioor cleaningi'n a pivoted motor-fantype cleaner; and V Figure 'lshows the cleaner of Fig. 6 with theconverter tube in its nozzle raising position. I

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, thesucticn cleaner of thisinvention comprises a main frame or body mounted for ambulatory movementon front wheels i I and adjustable rear whels "I2. The frame I0 isprovided with a downwardly facing nozzle [3, connected by 1a;suction,passage= way 14 to the eye 15 of the fan I6 driven by'a motorhoused within the motor-fan housing i1. Rotatably mounted within thenozzle 13 is an agitator 18 many well known constructicirdriveh by abelt is! drivingly connected'in any suitable manner to apulley'ontheshaft of the motorfan unit. The fan is provided with anexhaust passageway'llilleading toe filter'bag 2: having itsupper endsuitably supported from "a propelling handle 22 pivoted to'the top oftheexhaust passageway 20 at 23. During normal on-the floor cleaning thenozzle 13 is supported a suitable distance above the surface'coveringbeing cleaned whereby the coveringisdrawnupwardly against thenozzle [3by the suction 'of the fan l6 so as tobe contacted by the agitator [8.-The combined beating and brushing action of the'agitator and the suctionof'the fan will dislodgedirt and'dust from the carpet and the suctionofthe fan will carry the dust laden air through the suction passageway andfan eye I into the fan chamber where bythe fan will discharge it throughthe exhaust passageway 20 into the filter bag 2| and the dirt will be'removed from'the air as it passes through the walls of the filter.- Foroff the-fioor cleaning wherein any suitable dusting tool is connected tothe'fan eye by means of'a flexible hose it is desirable to raise thenozzle above the floor sufiiciently to break the s'eal be tween thenozzle and the carpet in order that the carpet will. not'be injured.-

For. that "purpose a converter tube 24 is journaled to the suctionpassageway 14 about thex'farr eye 15. Referring to Figs. 1 and 5 thelower end of the converter tube 24 has a lower arcuate end ,25'adaptedto swivel in the upper arcuate end 26 of the'suction passageway 14. Theloweriend of the converter tube 'is also provided with an'annular flange21 concentric with, the fan eye which swivels 'in'an opening in theinner wall of the suction passageway 14 adjacent the fan, eye 15 andconcentric thereto. The-ponverter tube 24 is also provided with acylindrical projection 29 which swivels in an opening ,30 in the outerwallofthe suction pas sageway I4. An extension 3| of the converter tube24-jorms a portiorroi the upper well of the suction passageway i4 andalso a converter passageway valve as-will be explained hereinafter. Aconverter port valve 32 is pivoted to oneside wall of the converter tube24 and is normally biased to 'closed position by a spring 33. a

v The converter tube 24 is preferably normally held against pivotalmovement by a latch 34 pivoted to the bottom wall of the tube andisspring-biased clockwise by spring 35 so; that its hooked lower end3BLengages beneath the stop 31 extending outwardly from the motor-fancasing IT. The end 38 of latch 34 extends through an opening in thelower wall of the tube 24 and is adapted to be engaged by a cam 39 onthe inner end of a converter tool 40 which is attached by means of aflexible hose to any suitable cleaning tool. A p y A second latch 4iisal so'pivotedto the lower wall of the tube 24 on the same pivot pin asthe latch 34 and is spring-biased in a counterclockwise direction byspring 35 so that its end '4! normallyre'sts against the upper side ofstop 31. An offset end 42 of latch 4| extends into a second opening inthe lower wall of the tube 24 and is adapte to be projected through thatopening bysprin'g "35 to engage behind a shoulder 43 on the lower sideof the converter tool 40 when the converter tube 24 is pivoted upwardlyso as to remove the end 4| of the latch 4| away from the stop 31 for apurpose which will later appear.-

One end of a link 44 is pivoted on a pin 45011 the cylindricalprojection 29 eccentric to the pivotal axis of the converter tube 24 ata point above and forwardly ofthat axis. The other end of link44is'pivoted to an arm 46 of a rear wheel carri'zge 4'! pivoted at 48 tothe under side of exhaust passageway 20. The wheel carriage 41 is biasedclockwise by a compressionspring 49 as shown. The arrangement is suchthat when the converter tube 24,. is in its normal latched position thelink 44 will hold the carriage 41 in the proper position to locate thenozzle I3 at the proper height for optimum cleaning effec'tiveness. Itis to be noted that the bias of spring 49 normally holds the tube 24 inits lowermost position. For that reason the latch 34 is not a necessitybut has been provided toprevent a non-authorized movement of the tube 24to its operative or conversionposition. 7

In order to prevent the cleaner from being operated for off-the-floorcleaning until the nozzle I3 is raised and the suction passageway valve3| is closed a switch 10 (Fig. 4) is provided. The switch 1!] may bemounted on the inner wall; of the motor-fan casing 11 as shownin Fig. 4.The switch 10 is of a well known type having a button H spring-pressedoutwardly. to closethe circuit when in outer position and to open thecircuit when pressed inwardly. g H

The button 1| extends through an opening in the motor-fan casing I! andthrough an opening 13 in the inner well of the converter receivin tube24 into a positionto be contaotedby the converter tool 40 as it isinserted into the tube 24. The switch 10 and the opening 13 are so positioned that as the link 44 moves past its overcenter'positiom as will beexplained hereinafter, the inner wall of the tube 24 will move; free ofthe pin I l and permit it to move outwardly to'close the motor circuit.The opening 13 is tapered out wardly end the outer end of pin'll-isrouride'd. as shown in Fig. i -and the bottomwall of the tube 24has a cain'not'ch 14 fora'purpose which will presently appear. 7

The wiring diagram has notbeen shownsince any one skilled in the art canconnect the switch Ill in the proper circuit with the usual "handlemounted menual switch and the motor to close the'motor circuit when bothswitches are closed and open the circuit when either switch is open.

7 The modification of Figs. 5 6 and '7 is similar to that of Figs. 1 to3, inclusive, exceptthat the front wheels are adjustable instead of therear wheels and the cleaner is of the pivoted motor fan casing type.Where the parts are the same ent to Burkhardt above referred to. issupported for ambulatory movement by adaecgscw they have been given thesame reference'numerals.

The cleaner of this modification is of the same general character asthat shown in the patent to Burkhardt 2,225,621 dated December 24, 1940.

The cleaner of Figs. 5, 6 and 7 comprises a main frame 50 including adownwardly facing nozzle connected to the fan eye 52 by a suctionpassageway 53 and having a second tunnel on the opposite end of themotor fan unit for receiving the driving belt for the agitator 54 as inthe pat- The frame justable front wheels 55 and rigidly attached rearwheels 66.

The casing 5'! which houses the motor fan unit is pivoted between thesuction passageway 53 and the opposite belt receiving tunnel in a mannersimilar to that shown in the patent to Burkhardt above referred to. Asshown in Fig. 5 the fan eye has an outwardly extendingfiange 58 receivedin a trunnion bearing 59 suitably secured to the frame 5%. Suitablesealing gaskets 60 and 6| are provided to prevent the leakage of airthrough the trunnion bearing. The flange 2] of the converter tube 24 isalso received in the trunnion bearing 59.

The front wheels 55 are carried by offset pintles 62 of a crank shaft 63pivoted to the rear of the nozzle SE at 64. The shaft 63 is providedwith an offset arm 65 which pivotally receives the lower end of a link66 pivotally connected at its upper end to the pivot pin 45.

The motor casing 51 is provided with an integral exhaust passageway 6'!discharging into a detachable filter bag 68 and with a handle socket 69rigid with the exhaust passageway 61.

Operation When it is desired to convert the modification of Figs. 1 to4, inclusive to ofi-the-fioor cleaning the converter tool 40 is insertedinto the converter tube 24. Its lower end will engage the converter portvalve 32 and move it to open position as shown in Fig. 2.Simultaneously, the cam 39 will engage the end 33 of the latch 34 andpivot it counterclockwise against the bias of spring 35 and remove itshooked end 36 from below the stop 3'! so as to free the converter tube24 for upward pivotal movement. At the same time the inner end of theconverter tool 40 will engage the pin ll of switch 19 and press itinwardly so as to open the motor circuit.

The converter tube 24 is then pivoted upwardly. The slanted surface onthe inner wall of the tube 24 about the opening l3 will engage therounded end of the pin H and press the pin further inwardly and themotor circuit will remain open. At the same time the end 4| of the latch4| moves away from the upper side of the stop 31 and since the latch 4|is biased counterclockwise by spring 35 the inner end of the hooked end42 will be brought behind the shoulder 43 of the converter tool 42 andthus lock the converter tool in the tube 24.

If desired, while the tube 24 is being moved upwardly pressure can beapplied to the rear of the cleaner to compress the spring 49 so as toaid in the movement of the tube 24 to operative position. Alternatively,the entire movingforce can be applied by pressing downwardly on the rearof the cleaner.

As the tube 24 is pivoted upwardly by any one of the foregoing methodsthe pivot pin 45 moves in the arc of a circle so as to move the link 44downwardly and pivot the wheel carriage counterclockwise' against thebias of the spring 49 until the pin 45 passes its dead center positionrelative to the pivotal axis of the tube 24 and the lower pivot of link44. When that occurs the pin H of switch will ride free of the innerwall of the tube 24 to permit the pin to move outwardly and close themotor circuit and the spring 49 will pivot the carriage 41 clockwise andpositively move the tube 24 to its uppermost position of Fig. 3 wherethe extension or valve 3| will extend across the suction passageway l4and close oil the suction nozzle l3 from communication with the fan eyeI5.

In the position of Fig. 3 the nozzle [3 will have been raisedupwardly'to a position where no seal will be made between the nozzle andany carpet or other surface upon which the cleaner may be resting.

' It is to be noted that in the position of Fig. 3 the spring 49 acts tohold the nozzle in its raised position, holds the converter tube 24 inits uppermost position, and the action of the latch 4| locks theconverter tool 40 in place and since the valve 32 is then open and thevalve 3| closed it also acts to hold those valves in those positions.

Conversely, the movement of the converter tube 24 to its upper position,and the overcenter mechanism above described, holds the wheels in theiradjusted position with the nozzle raised, holds the converter in place,the converter port valve open and the suction passageway valve closed.Additionally, the insertion of the converter tool 42 unlockstheconverter tube 24 for movement and thus unlocks the nozzle adjustingmechanism and also the suction passageway valve 3| for movement.Furthermore, movement of the suction passageway valve 3| to its closedposition may be said to hold the converter in place and to hold thewheels in their nozzle raising position. Movement of the suctionpassageway valve 3| to its open position may be said to release theconverter and to return the wheel adjusting mechanism to its normalon-thefloor cleaning position. Removal of the converter tool 40 may besaid to hold the converter passage valve 3| in its open position and thewheels in their normal on-the-fioor cleaning position. 1

When it is desired to reconvert to on-the-fioor cleaning the convertertube 24 may be manually moved clockwise or pressure may be applied tothe rear of the cleaner to compress the spring 49 until the link 44again returns to itsdead center position at whichtime the cam 14 on theinner wall of the tube 24 will engage the pin H and open the motorcircuit. When the link 44 moves slightly past its dead center positionthe spring 49 will then positively move the tube 24 to the positionshown in Fig. 2 whereby the end 4|, of the latch 4| will engage the stop3'! and move the hooked end 42' from behind the shoulder '43 of tool40-to release the tool 40 for removal from the tube 24. The removal ofthe tube 49 will permit the latch 24 to take the position of Fig. 1 andthe pin 1| to move outwardly and reclose the motor circuit. The nozzlewill have been lowered and the cleaner will again be conditioned fornormal on-the-fioor cleaning. The modification ofFigs. 6 and 7 operatesin a similar manner except that as converter tube 24 is moved upwardly,the link 66 moves downwardly to pivot the shaft 63 clockwise and movesthe Wheels 55 downwardly and the nozzle 5| upwardly until the pin 45 ismoved. past its dead center position. At that time the weightbf cleanerwill move the time 21 to its up? position of Fig.7. In thisn'iddification the V merit of the converter tube 24' may be aided bytilting the cleaner backwardly o'n the rear wheels- 56 whereby thefrontyvheels 5 will drop down wardly by gravity and aid in the movement"of the tube 24 upwardly until the link lili mdves past its dead centerposition. If desired, e light spring may be provided for normallyholding thfe Wheels 55 in their upper positibn and to prevent excessplay in the mechanism. I

The switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit has not beenshown in this modification but it is to be understood that it is to beprovided in a manner similar to thatsh'own the modification of Figs. 1to 3, inclusive.

In the modification of Figs. 6 and 7 the weightof the cleaner may besaid to hold the wheels in their adjusted position with the nozzleraised, hold the converter tube in its uppermost posi tion, hold thesuction passageway valve closed and the converter tool 48 in the tube24:

While I have shown but two modifications of my invention it is to beunderstood that these modifications are to be taken as illustrative onlyand not in a limiting sense. I do not wish to be limited to theparticular structure shown and described but to include all equivalentvariations thereof except as limited by the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. A suction cleaner including a body, a down" wardly facing nozzle atthe forward end of said body, a motor, a fan driven by said motor, saidfan including a casing. having a" fan eye formed in said body, said bodyhaving a suction passageway extending between said fan eye and saidnozzle, a converter receiving tube swivelled to said body on the axis ofsaid fan eye for communication therewith, latch means carried by saidtube and extending into the interior thereof for holding it againstswivelling. movement, said converter receiving tube being movable fromits latchedposition to an operative position to perform a function inconverting the cleaner to off-the-fioor cleaning, a converter toolinsertable into said converter receiving tube and means on saidconverter tool operable upon insertion ofi i-ceases said tool into saidtube for engaging and relea'sing said latch means.

2-. A suction cleaner according to claim 1 551- cluding switch means"fer controlling. sen motor, said switch means being positioned to beengag d by said converter tool as it is inserted into :said tube to openthe circuit or said new -and -to reclose the circuit upon movement ofsaid tube to its operative position. 7

3. A suction cleaner including a move sewn: wardly facing nozzle at thefrom end of said body, means for supporting saidbody for ambulator'ymovement with said nozzle positioned for on-the-floor cleaning-,saidsupportingfmcans being movably attached to said body for raising saidnozzle for ofi-the-fioor cleaning, a motor, a fan driven by said motor,said fan includinga casing having a faneye and being carried by saidbody, said body having a suction passageway extending between said faneye and saaid nozzle, a converter receiving, tube mounted mean body forcommunication with said fan eye, said-1 eon verte'r receiving tube beingmovable from anri operative position to an operative semen, moi tron't'ransmitti earls "extending between said means and *operable uponmovement'or said converter receiving tube to its operative position formoving said supporting means relative to said bbd y to raise saidnozzle, a converter 'too1 insertable' into said tube, latch meanscarried by said tube and means operable in response to movement of saidconverter receiving tube to its operative position for actuating saidlatch means to latch said tool in said tube.

4. A suct'ion cleaner including a body, a down wardl y facing nozzle atthe front end of said body, a motor, a fan driven by said motor, saidfan including. a fan eye carried by said body, said body having asuction passageway extending between said nozzle and fan eye, aconverter receiving tube carried by said body for communication withsaid fan eye, a valve in said tube and normally closing'oficommunication between said tube and fan eye, a second valve movable froman open position to a position extending across said suction passagewayto close ofi communication between said nozzle and fan eye, latch meansfor locking said second valve in open position, a converter toolinsertable into said tube, and means on said tool for opening said firstvalve and for unlocking said second valve as it is inserted into saidtube.

5. A suction cleaner including a body, a downwardly facing nozzle at thefront end of said body, means for sup-porting said body for ambulatorymovement, said supporting means being movably attached to said body forraising said nozzle, a fan including a fan eye carried by said body,said body having a suction passageway extending between said fan eye andnozzle, means defining a converter receiving opening for communicationwith said fan eye, a converter tool receivable in said opening, a valveassociated with said suction passagewayhaving an 'open position and a;closed position extending across said suction passageway for closing oficommunication between said nozzle and fan eye, latch means adjacent saidopening, means operable upon movement of said valve to its closedposition for actuating said latch means to latch said tool in: saidopening and motion transmitting means connecting said valve andsupporting means and operable upon movement of said valve from its opento its closed position for moving said supporting means relative to saidbody to raise said nozzle. 7

6. A suction cleaner according to claim 5 in which said motiontransmitting means is also constructed to hold said valve in its closedposition when said. supporting means is in its nozzle raising position.

7-. A suction cleaner including a body, a nozzle carried by said body,means for supporting said body for ambulatory movement, said supportingmeans being movably secured to said body to selectively position saidnozzle in a position for on-the-floor cleaning or in a higher positionfor oii-the-fiocr cleaning, a iancarried by said body, said body havinga suction passageway extending between said nozzle and the suction sideof said fan, means defining a converter receiving openingv forcommunication with the suction side of saidi-a-n, a converter toolreceivable in said opening, a valve asscciateda'with said suctionpassageway having an open position and closed position in which saidvalve extends across said suction passageway to close off communicationbetween said nozzle and the sueuoeside of said Ian, latch means adjacentsaid pDenin'g for locking said converter 'ibli'lihg- "aiid said "[8 winsen-openin and neens-eperebie by movement of said valve to its openposition for releasing said latch means and a linkage mechanismconnecting said valve and said supporting means and operable by movementof said valve to its open position to move said supporting means to itson-the-floor cleaning position.

8. A suction cleaner including a body, a nozzle on said body, front andrear wheels attached to said body, said rear wheel attaching meansincluding a carriage pivoted to said body and spring biased to urge saidwheels away from said body, a fan on said body, said body being formedwith a suction passageway connecting said nozzle to the suction side ofsaid fan, a valve associated with said suction passageway movable froman open position to a closed position extending across said suctionpassageway to shut off communication between said nozzle and fan, and alinkage mechanism connecting said valve with said carriage, thearrangement being such that said linkage lies on one side of anovercenter position when said valve is open and on the other side whensaid valve is closed whereby the spring bias of said carriage resistsmovement of said valve from either its closed position or its openposition and. movement of said valve to its open position permits thespring bias of said carriage to lower said wheels and movement of saidvalve to its closed position holds said wheels in a higher position soas to raise said nozzle for off-the-floor cleaning.

9. A suction cleaner including a body, a nozzle on said body, wheels forsupporting said body for ambulatory movement, said wheels being movablyattached to said body for selective movement relative thereto toposition said nozzle at a lower position for on-the-floor cleaning andat a higher position for ofi-the-fioor cleaning, a motor and fan driventhereby on said body, said body being formed with a suction passagewayconnecting said nozzle with the suction side of said fan and with aconverter tube for communication with the suction side of said fan, aconverter tool insertable into said tube, said tube being manuallyactuatable, a linkage mechanism connected to said wheels and tube formoving said wheels to either the nozzle raising or nozzle loweringpositions and switch means for controlling said motor located in aposition to be actuated to open position by insertion of said convertertool into said tube and to be actuated to closed position by movement ofsaid tube to its nozzle raising position.

10. A suction cleaner including a body, a nozzle on said body, wheelscarried by said body for supporting it for ambulatory movement inon-thefloor cleaning. a motor and fan driven thereby on said body, saidbody being formed with a suction passageway connecting said nozzl to thesuction side of said fan and with a converter tube for communicationwith the suction side of said fan, a converter tool insertable into saidtube, a valve associated with said suction passageway and movable froman open position to a closed position extending across said suctionpassageway to close off communication between said nozzle and fan, saidtube being manually actuatable for moving said valve to either of itspositions and switch means for controlling said motor positioned to beactuated to open position by the insertion of said converter tool intosaid tube and to be actuated to closed position by movement of said tubeto its valve closing position.

11. A suction cleaner including a body, a nozzle on said body, wheelscarried by said body for supporting it for ambulatory movement inonthe-fioor cleaning, a motor and fan driven thereby on said body, saidbody being formed with a suction passageway connecting said nozzle tothe suction side of said fan, a converter receiving tube movably securedto said body for movement from an inoperative position to an operativeposition for performing some function inconverting the cleaner tooff-the-floor cleaning and switch means for controlling said motorpositionedto be actuated to open position upon insertion of said toolinto said tube and to be actuated to closed position upon movement ofsaid tube to its operative position.

12. A suction cleaner comprising, a body, a downwardly facing nozzle atthe front of said body, front and rear wheels attached to said body forsupporting it for ambulatory movement, a horizontal axis motor drivenfan including a fan eye on said body, said body being formed with anupwardly and rearwardly extending suction passageway between said nozzleand said fan eye, a converter receiving tube pivoted to the upper end ofsaid suction passageway on the axis of said fan and communicating withsaid fan eye, an extension on said tube normally forming a portion ofthe upper wall of said suction passageway and movable downwardly acrosssaid suction passageway when said tube is pivoted upwardly to close offcommunication between said nozzle and fan eye, said rear wheels beingcarried by a carriage pivoted to said body, spring means for biasingsaid wheels away from said body, an arm rigid with said carriage andextending forwardly from the pivot thereof, a link having its lower endpivoted to the forward end of said arm and its upper end pivoted to saidtube above and forwardly of its pivotal axis when said tube is in itsnormal position whereby upward pivotal movement of said tube will movesaid carriage counterclockwise against the bias of said spring meansuntil the upper pivot point of said leg passes a line extending betweenthe pivotal axis of said tube and the lower pivot point of said leg andthereafter said spring means will positively move said tube to itsuppermost position with said extension extending across said suctionpassageway and said nozzle raised upwardly and said tube is held in eachof its positions by the bias of said spring means.

WILLIAM H. KIT'IO.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 2,024,260 White Dec. 17, 1935 2,072,690 Smellie Mar. 2, 19372,072,696 Whitaker Mar. 2, 1937 2,094,126 Kitto Sept. 28, 1937 2,126,362Whitaker et a1. Aug. 9, 1938 2,143,018 Kitto Jan. 10, 1939 2,254,663Osborn Sept. 2, 1941 2,372,033 Taylor Mar. 20, 1945 2,502,674 SellersApr. 4, 1950 2,517,670 Humphrey Aug. 8, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS NumberCountry Date 438,622 Great Britain Nov. 20, 1935

